Kanchelskis trades Saints for sand

SOUTHAMPTON’S assault on their wage bill continued yesterday as Gordon Strachan tore up Andrei Kanchelskis’ contract and allowed him to move to Saudi Arabia.

The winger joined the Saints on a free transfer last summer but made just two brief substitute appearances before joining al-Hilal on a four-month deal yesterday.

St Mary’s Stadium chairman Rupert Lowe has slashed his wage bill recently by cancelling the contracts of Tahar El Khalej, Imants Bleidelis, Kleber Chala and Neil Moss.

Former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers winger Kanchelskis, 34, was on a minimal term contract with Southampton after impressing in pre-season training. Southampton have also revealed injury-plagued midfielder Mark Draper is close to agreeing a pay-off.

A club statement said: “Mark Draper could be the next one to go. We are negotiating at a settlement of his contract which has 18 months to run.”

Former Saints boss Glenn Hoddle bought him from Aston Villa in a £1.25m deal in the summer of 2000. Strachan today confirmed the club are looking to reach a settlement with the player.